"Paintings have a life of their own that derives from the painter's soul." Vincent Van Gogh

Sunday, July 28, 2013

Occupying a State of Rest and Some Life Sketches

Occupying a State of Rest / oil on linen panel / 14 x 18
 Having some fun with bright sunlight and large shapes.

Kim / graphite on newsprint
Kim modeled for us during last weeks portrait session at Nevada Fine Arts.  I sketched her in profile and then a slight 3/4 view.

This has been a very exciting weekend for me. On Friday night I attended the cocktail reception of the Coeur d'Alene  Western and American Art Auction that is held annually here in Reno, NV.  There were 308 paintings up for sale and I spent a long time viewing the art. It was so inspiring. The auction was held yesterday and it was more exciting than I can even begin to describe - the bidding is so fast and furious and the prices skyrocket in  a matter of seconds! I took a few photos and will try to put them into my blog over the next day or two. I even found myself bidding on a charcoal drawing by Nicolai Fechin that caught my attention! I was very quickly outbid but it was a grand experience!

13 comments:

  1. Heel mooi gedaan , Susan.
    Herkenbaar zijn de typische kleuren in het schilderij...
    groetjes,
    Simonne

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    1. Thank you for your nice comment, Simmone. I love your delicate flower paintings!

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  2. What a great painting. Love the colors and the touch of humor. The drawings are as always - simply wonderful.
    I know I would also be excited to bid on a Fechin. Wow - and lucky you seeing a great show with that many paintings. The room must have been huge. I will look forward to seeing the photos.

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    1. This auction was definitely one of the highlights of my time in Reno. I hop[e you enjoy the photos and my commentary. There was so much art there! The Fechin was so simple and so masterful. I could see the strength and confidence of his line in the single sweep of charcoal making up the right hand side of the man's face and neck. So inspiring!

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  3. Oh Susan, you always make me laugh, Occupying a State of Rest... has that been added to the other 50? Thank you for your lovely comment. It means so much coming from you. You have so much talent! I've just returned from Monhegan Island with well over 1000 photos. I wish I could take 2 weeks of none-stop painting time and dive into all that inspired me. I went to meet with Don Stone. It went very well...

    Keep up the great work! You amaze me.

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    1. I can't wait to see the paintings that result from your trip! Its all so exciting! So glad the meeting went well!

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  4. That does sound exciting!!
    I can't help but chuckle at your beach scenes. The characters in them just reel me right in! I just love them!! :0)

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    1. I am thrilled that you like my work, Sandra, as I am an ardent fan of yours! Awaiting that new teddy bear!

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  5. I can imagine the ecitement at the art auction. Sorry you lost out on the charcoal. Glad you enjoyed the fun. I do appreciate your expert use of contour drawing interacting with shapes and defined with values. You're quite a draughtsman.

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    1. I had a feeling I would not be able to bid with the big boys, Linda, so I didn't get my hopes up. Nonetheless, the Fechin seemed out of place in this auction of western art so I was a tiny bit hopeful. As it turned out, I lost it to an internet bidder who was not even present at the auction. Sigh. But what a great experience - I am glad I gave it ago!

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  6. Haha, yes that is a large shape! Your sketches are amazing!

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    1. Thank you, Judy. I am hoping to get to life drawing this Wednesday. I feel inspired after seeing all the wonderful art work at the auction!

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  7. Wow!
    Good for you Susan!
    A fantastic post!
    Some wonderful art work at the auction!
    I love your latests works! The people on the beach are so very well done!
    You are so very talented! Your paintings bring me great joy! Thank you Susan!
    Paint on and Bid on!
    Michael

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Your comments are welcome and brighten my day!